Dave Matthews "Eh Hee"

Since we just explored Arcade Fire's Intervention (once, twice) I thought I'd start looking at non-Christian (some would call Secular) artists and their view of God...

First up, Dave Matthews Band. I am a huge fan of DMBand from my high school days (before Dave was a household name). I've seen two of his shows live. First one, back in 1998, left me with the following impression: "wow, I don't think I've seen this much pot in one place in my entire life." I saw the second Dave Matthews concert last year (for my birthday) which left me with the following impression: "wow, I haven't seen this much pot since the last Dave Matthews concert..."

Sorry, getting back. Making his directorial debut with the help of co-director Fenton Williams, below is Dave's new music video, Eh Hee.

Full lyrics can be found here. Let me give you the highlights..

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Praise God who has many names
The devil have many more
With the love that my mother gave me
I’m gonna drop the devil to the floor

I’m gonna drop the devil to his knees
I’m gonna drop the devil to his knees

Strange evolution how people have come to believe
That we are it’s greatest achievement
We’re barely, we’re just a collection of cells
Overrating themselves
Hello God I’m avoiding the truth
-----

Dave has never been afraid to sing about God, however, I would say his theology leans more towards the agnostic that feels abandoned by God. (Examples, see You Never Know (Video, Lyrics) and Raven (Video, Lyrics), both found on the Busted Stuff Album).

Is this a fundamental shift for DMBand? Where's he going with this? Are we as Christians comfortable with artists like Dave Matthews grappling with spiritual issues in such a public way? What's your take?

Thanks to Terry Storch for starting the conversation.

Comments

[marty]

Regardless of whether or not Dave is wise enough to reject any belief in mysticism and sky-pixies (see, God), he has every right to sing about his grappling with these issues.

[Nate]

Dave and John Mayer at Virginia Tech...I saw no pot, kinda weird for one of his concerts. It was, however, the best technical show I have ever seen produced live.

[Ready to fight]

I have loved DMB since I was a senior in high school - can't even remember how many shows I have seen over the year (hmmm... was pot @ some of those concerts?)

I have also listened to all of the music throughout my twenties, which has had lead me to deep reflection, understanding, and always to God for prayer, praise and guidance. I think that DMB deals with so many human conditions, mental dramas, and soul captivating spiritual dilemmas without being labeled which seems to scare away those who are lost. But, please don't take it from a girl who thinks that most music comes from God's gifts to us mere humans to express our thoughts, feelings and emotions - good or bad. Please pray for the acceptance of those we choose to judge. If even you are to lead anyone to Christ, you must understand them and the demons that can haunt them.

May all of us who are Christians embrace any person, especially those sharing with the world, their grappling or even talking about spiritual issues - that is real HOPE!!!

God is here for us all no matter past or pains maybe, He is the one who brings us through it all, no matter what. I think DMB songs and lyrics are thought provoking and have always been soulful and spiritual, and if at times definitely - I think more towards the institutional laws (as we should all be challenging as Jesus did) than at God. The messages are reflective of personal, global and generations past sins and healing and most all love. The songs you mentioned are more about being right with God (You Never Know) and reflecting on past generations sins (Raven)not abandoned.

Thanks for reading... and my God always bless us all with His divine understanding and guidance.

[matt]

I don't think he grapples too hard about it. To me, its more like he sees the worldly things going on, and when he really does start to grapple, something might happen and he says, oh "hello God." Its like he got stuck avoiding the truth and God did something to wake him up. He realizes, easily after that, that it is the devil, and he'll drop him back to his knees.

[Atheist]

Why you did not post those lyrics?
Be fair, they are a part of the song.
==================================================
The problem is someone will try to convince you
That they know the answer no matter the question
Be wary of those who believe in a neat little world
Cause it’s just fucking crazy you know that it is
==================================================

[Kathy]

"Are we as Christians comfortable with artists like Dave Matthews grappling with spiritual issues in such a public way?"

Comfortable? What progress was ever made by staying comfortable? Is that what you really want? I would think that Dave Matthews' very gifted expressions of doubt and confusion would be welcomed for the thought-provoking reactions they inspire...